Global leadership must trump low Aussie target
10 Sep 2008
WWF has urged the Federal Government to provide leadership in pursuing a global emissions treaty and offer a unilateral emission reduction of at least 20 per cent below 1990 levels at the start of Poznan climate talks - more than double today's recommended target.
Professor Ross Garnaut's Targets and Trajectories report has proposed a Australian target of 10 per cent reduction by 2020, which would not do near enough to avoid the dangers of climate change.
"As an international organisation, WWF is very aware foreign leaders expect the Australian Government to set a really ambitious emission reduction target," said Greg Bourne, WWF-Australia's CEO.
Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and has enormous potential to reduce energy and industrial emissions. It is also important we offset our agricultural and transport emissions by assisting Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea to end tropical deforestation.
WWF said that, despite its disagreement with the target proposed, Professor Garnaut is to be congratulated on thoroughness and rigour with which he has approached his task.
WWF said the business community had to stop asking for handouts that take away needed investment in the low emissions economy and transfer the burden to the householder and other parts of the economy.
"We have to play to win - not play to lose," Mr Bourne said. "It's time for our political and business leaders to act like statesmen in order to make the tough decisions to reshape our economy. There are enormous benefits if we seize the day and build the infrastructure for the future.
"We must plan for our future prosperity rather than remain tied to the past. We will still be endowed with cheap energy, relative to other nations.
"As the rest of the world inevitably moves to take on a carbon price, Australia can make the most of being an early mover, giving us a competitive advantage over other countries."
Mr Bourne said there was always some degree of pain with such large scale shifts, but Australians need our leaders to maintain a firm resolve and work together to fight climate change.
"Our actions from this point on will be judged by future generations. It is WWF-Australia's hope our children will take pride in our actions rather than be ashamed by what this generation lost through self- interest and equivocation."
For more information
Alvin Stone, WWF-Australia Press Office, 02 8202 1295, 0418 617 366
